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LIBRARY OF CONOR 




014 645 048 c 



F 379 „_^ _-^- ^ 

°r,^\A^ ORLEANS. 

Copyrighted iSSs, by WARD BROTHERS, Columbus, Ohio. "^ \iftJ^.^f 

New Orleans is a city of the United States, situated on the left%ank of 
the Mississippi River, one hundred and seven miles from its mouth, in longi- 
tude 90 and latitude 30, Stale of Louisana. 

At this point, the river bends abruptly southward, then east, then north 
and again east, thus portioning off the low concave land, which is alvv^aj^ 
highest at the river's margin, a shallow basin not unlike the palm of ones 
hand. This deep, three sided bend, some nme miles in length, is the harbor ofl 
New Orleans, and on the low tract walled in by the levee that lines its bank 
and by a similar defence where Lake Poncthartrain, some four to six miles to i 
the northward, shuts in the fourth side, lies New Orleans, the great seaport of 1 
the Mississippi Valley, and a city of 250,000 inhabitants. \ 

The river at this point varies from two thousand to three thousand feet \ 
in width, and has a depth almost from bank to bank of sixty to four hundred 
feet. Around the margin of this fine harbor a line of steamers, and shipping 
extends for eight miles on either shore, moored in the busy season, sometimes two 
and five abreast, to the outer end of short, broad unsheltered wooden wharves 
that rest on piles driven firmly into the tenacious clay of the river bed. The 
speed of the current averages four to five miles an hour. 

The poor little Franco-Spanish American port of the seventeenth cen- 
tury, being the key to that vast system of waterways of which the Mississippi 
is the main artery, was in 1803 purchased hy the United States and with it 
the entire State of Louisana. 

As the dispenser of the products of this greatest agricultural valley of the 
world. New Orleans has grown from the wild, indolent town of 10,000 people, 
it then was, to the dimensions of a great metropolis. Along its winding har- 
bor front one sees, in the season that follows the harvests of the South and West, 
the energies of an exporting movement not excelled in volume or value on the 
American continent, save by New York City. The le\'ee, the wharv^es and 
contiguous streets teem with strenuous lite, and are gorged with the raw staples 
of the countries far and near that lie about the Mississippi and its greater and 
lesser tributaries; sugar, molasses, rice, pine lumber, tobacco, corn, wheat, oats, 
hay, resin, turpentine, tropical fruits in immense quantities, and above all, 
nearly one third of the whole world's entire supply of cotton; all other move- 
ment is insignificant. The import tr^de consists largely in the productions of 



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the tropics, and is ra^.i^Vy.Ihcreasfng from year to year. Manufactures are 
not extensive; there ar^' no fisheries of importance; no large transit of Emi- 
grants; no notable vgovernment establishments, except a branch mint and a 
custom house. 

No large city in America is so laid open to the sunshine and air. New 
Orleans covers an area of one hundred and fifty-six square miles, much more 
than that of any other city on the continent On any hand it requires but a few 
steps aside from the current of commercial movement, to carry one into the 
bowery repose of a huge suburb, rather than of a city, or if of a city, a city 
of villas and cottages, of umbrageous gardens intersected by over five hundred 
miles of unpaved streets, shaded by forest trees; haunted by song birds; fragrant 
with a wealth of flowers that never fails a day in the year, and abundant in 
season with fruit — the fig, the plum, the pomegranate, the orange and the banana. 

New Orleans is exceptionally interesting among cities of the United 
States, for the picturesqueness of its older sections, and the language, tastes and 
customs of a large portion of its people. It was founded in 1718, by Jean 
Baptiste Lemoyne de Bienville, a French Canadian, Governor of a French 
Colony which had been planned in 1699, by his brother, on the Gulf Coast 
near by at a point now called Biloxi The history of the settlement from that 
date until 1803, is highly romantic, with frequent changes of fortune, varying 
sovereignity, dependence, independence, and wars, both defensive and aggres- 
sive, while the colony was slowly growing into importance vmder the 
rule of the sturdy Bourbon, the gay Spaiard, or easy going Creole. In 1803, 
within the lapse of thirty davs it passed from Spanish to French and from 
French to American rule, then as now in its customs, its people and its archi- 
tecture the least American of all the cities west of the Atlantic. 

The Creoles of New Orleans and the surrounding delta, are a handsome, 
graceful and intelligent race of decidedly Gallic type, though softened in fea- 
tures, speech and carriage; they are brave, proud, courteous, slow to offend, 
quick to resent, fond of pomp, and display an ardent fondness for pageantries 
such as offer a strong hint of their Spanish American relationship. 

The famous annual carnivals of New Orleans, which generally continue 
several days during the early part of February', have become world wide 
in historic interest on account of the grandeur, extravagance and immensity 
of the festivitcs, the processions, and the enthusiasm with which all the citizens 
seem to enter into the pleasures of the occasion. Many thousands of visitors 
from all parts of America, come yearly to see the glittering array of citizens 
attired as knig its, dukes, lords and ladies, fairies, angels and mythological 
characters as they parade the streets in oriental pomp. The season usually 
closes with the grand Rex Ball to which are always invited many thousands 
of the most distinguished guests. 



In addition to the Creole population $here is a strong admixture of the 
German, Iri^h, French, Spanish and Ilajrain.. A visit to the old French 
Market will almost necessitate a knowledge of at least live languages, for un- 
like other American cities, in New Orleans many people transact business in 
their native tongue rather than adopt the universal English as used elsewhere. 
The French Market is an unhealthy collection of huge sheds along the 
O levee near Jackson Square, where venders offer for sale everything from 
"T a banana, a meals vituals, or a paper of pins, to a piano, silk dress, or set of 
{/) furniture. On a Sunday morning the confusion of tongues, the bustle of the 
Q crowds, the smell of the offensive, the lack of religious regard for the day, and the 
«) general don't care jostling and pushing of one and all, form an experience that it 
1^ is far more pleasant to read about than pass through. Of the 50,000 colored 
^ people in New Orleans a goodly portion converse only in French or Spanish. 
^ Burials in New Orleans cemeteries, owing to the undrained condition of the 
subsoil, are made almost exclusively above ground in tombs of peculiar build. 
^ Very costly and beautiful are some of these, while others consist of long 
alleys of four, six or eight shelf ovenlike walls, into which the bodies are 
placed and sealed with only a marble slab about two feet square in front, 
views of which are given in this work. 

The climate is very similar to that of southern Italy. The thermometer 
rarely passes above 95° or below 27° F., but in the winter an occasional 
" Norther," assisted by the breezes from over the wide reaches of water and 
wet lands that lie about the city, gives the air a penetrating chill that feels 
much worse than the mercury indicates, while in summer the gulf breezes 
seem warmer than they really are. 

Yellow fever makes its visits more rarely than in early history, during the 
long summer season, when the air is pereptibly though not excessively debili- 
tating. 

From November to June, when the commercial activity is at its height, the 
average temperature is 63° F., and with the exception of an occasional rain or 
Norther, affords the pleasures of a prolonged spring time, which adds much 
to the attractions for the tourist, the visitor and the invalid. 

THE NORTH, CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICAN EXPOSITION, 

Will open in New Orleans, November 10, 1SS5, and close about April i, 18S6. 

It will be held under the auspices and immediate management of a char- 
tered company of citizens of New Orleans, with a capital of .$500,000, and as- 
sisted by commissioners from each of the United States, thus assuring a com- 
plete exhibition of the natural resources and various industries of this country. 

The Exposition will be a fitting supplement to the World's Industrial and 
Cotton Centennial Exposition just closed; and as it will inherit all the property 



of the late organization, including the grounds and commoiious buildings 
erected in the City Park, with then entire complement of apparatus and neces- 
sary appliances for cenducting an exposition on the grandest scale, exhibitors 
and visitors can rest assured of a thorough completion of all details and ar- 
rangements in advance of the date of opening. 

The grounds upon which the Exposition is located comprise 274 acres con- 
tiguous to the city and known as the Upper City Park. They are beautifully 
shaded with massive live oaks, which have already become famous in connec- 
tion with the late World's Exposition. In addition to this attraction, all that 
the art of the landscape gardner can efteci has been accomp i»ed by judicious 
expenditure of labor and money, until it is now conceded that they are the 
most beautiful in the United States, and certainly the best adapted for the pur- 
pose in every respect. Fronting on the Mississippi River, with ample wharf 
facilities for the largest steamer that floats, connected with the city by anew 
and thoroughly equipped steam railway, and by six lines of hon^e cars, and 
also by magnificent excursion steamers on the river, while all the trunk 
lines leading into Ncav Orleans are connected with the grounds and buildings, 
it will be seen at a glance that the tacility desired by exhibitors and visitors is 
fully provided. The main building is the largest on record. It is 1378 feet 
long and 905 feet wide with an iron extension 320 feet long and 125 feet wide. 
It is in perfect order, completely shafted for machinery, and possesses every 
convenience and improvement that the latest ingenuity could suggest for the 
purpose of an exposition. 

The State Exhibits Building is next in importance, although it is of itself 
one of the largest buildings ever erected for the purpose, being 885 feet long 
and 565 feet wide, and it is also provided with every possible convenience, except 
steam power, as this building was not intended to accommodate any exhibits 
requiring power. 

The Horticultural Hall is the largest conservatory in the world, and one of 
the handsomest structures of its kind ever built. It was erect^ by the manage- 
ment of the late World's Exposition, by special contract with the city, is 
600x194 feet in dimensions, and is a permanent building, fitted with all the latest 
appliances for the purpose which it was intended. 

The Art Gallery is an elegant and artistic structure, 250x100 feet, so ar- 
ranged for mounting, accessibility and light as to present the best eft'ects, and 
with ample accommodation for as large a collection as was ever exhibited on 
this hemisphere. It is erected wholly of iron, and is thoroughly fire-proof. 

The 1^-A1:e::2^xcjl.i<t 1iT.s^Txoi>TJ^iL, E^sisziBiT. 

(Octagonal 78x78.) 
Though small in coinparison with the various other exposition structures, 
yet this building, of mo ;t beautiful and exquisite design, of the costliest work- 



manship, presents a strikingly at*^ractive feature. It is built of iron and glass, of 
a disign similar to a Moorish Kiosque. It is built by the Mexican Govern- 
nrient, and will be taken down and removed to Mexico as soon as the exposi- 
tion is over. 

The Mexican National Headquarters is an attractively beautiful structure 
300x192 feet, erected by the Mexican Government in the southeast portion of 
the Exposition Grounds, It furnishes offices for the various Mexican officials, 
and quarters for the famous Mexican Band, and different detachments of the 
Mexican Army on duty at the exposition. The building will be removed to 
the Cit_y of Mexico after the exposition is over. 

The Upper City Park of the city of New Orleans presents unusally 
advantageous features for exposition put poses. 

The Park is located about three and one-half miles from and west of the 
business center of the city. It lies between St. Charles avenue and the left 
bank of the Mississippi River. It is a beautiful tract of land, high and well 
drained, ornamen-ed with numerous groves of the majestic live oak, orange, 
lemon, and magnolia shade trees, and tropical flowers; laid out into walks and 
roadways, and the whole landscape interspersed with lakes, islands, parterres of 
flowers, shrubbery, etc. 

The Park is reached by one steam railway line, leading to the center of the 
city, and connecting with various trunk lines of railways coming to New Or- 
leans, by five lines of horse cars, and by the river it is accessible to all classes of 
steam and sailing craft. 

During the period of the American Exposition, from November to April in- 
clusive, is one of unusual attractiveness; with many fruits maturing, all classes of 
vegetables in their prime, balmy winds, blooming flowers and constant verdure; 
it affords a locality to which people of the world can eagerly resort; while the 
quaint city itself, with its cosmopolitan population and customs and generous 
hospitality, furnishes special, almost irresistible attractions to the stranger. 

The opportunities presented by New Orleans to the visitor for pleas- 
ant and profitable experience outside of the Exposition are innumerable. 
Theatrical and operatic attractions are always of the very highest order, and 
including the best talent extant. Opportunities for excursions by land and 
by water, inland and sea, are constantly available. Elegant steamboats ply 
from New Orleans, covering the Mississippi, to its famed delta and its numer- 
ous lower tributaries, penetrating the enchanting waters of interminable 
bayous, bordered with rich cane fields and shaded with the live oak. Steamers 



sail regularly between the city shore? of Lake Pontchartrain and its north 
shores and sound watering places, and down the Mississippi into the gulf to 
the shores and k^ys of Florida, to the coast places ot Texas, Mexico, Central 
America, Carribean Isles and West Indies. By rail, the " Land of Flowers " 
is reached in a few hours, and every prominent southern point — even the City 
of Mexico becomes conviently accessible. Excursion rates will be so low that 
it will simply be a question of desire. 

T:E^^L3iTS^=OI^T-^T'I03^T. 

Unprecedentedly low rates of transportation will prevail. The various 
railway trunk Imes leading into New Orleans are the largest stockholders of the 
American Exposition. Their interested participation insures the exercise of 
their influence in securing from every point the lowest possible transportation 
rates. A cent a mile will probably be the maximum from any point. 

X3:i3^Ts To ^l^ISIXo:E^s. 

Arriving in New Orleans, remember that street cars run to almost every 
section of the city, starting from Canal street, and the uniform fare is five 
cents. Canal street is the business thoroughfare of the city, it runs from the 
Mississippi River west to the cemeteries, and is the dividing line between the 
French and the uptown portions, the latter beingon the south side and extending to 
and beyond the Exposition Grounds. The river at the foot of Canal street runs 
directly noith ; water in the gutters invariably runs away from the river to the 
west and north to the lake. 

Always make a bargain as to the prices to be paid before ordering carriages, 
meals, or services of any kind. The licensed transfer companies are safest for 
the handling of baggage. There are nearly ten thousand regular boarding and 
lodging houses in New Orleans, and many hundreds of restaurants where 
meals are served both on the American and European plans, at a cost to suit 
the desire of any and all. The principal "hotels charge .|2.oo to $4.00 per day. 
The prices for boarding and lodging elsewhere vary according as the establish- 
ment may bs nearer or farther from Canal street ; those on and nearest this 
street, naturally command higher prices. A good plan is to secure a room and 
then get meals at restaurants wherever one happens to be; parties wishing to 
economize by going up town for lodgings can find rooms among thousands of 
private houses. 

The Bureau of Accommodation and Information has had the city thoroughly 
canvassed, divided into districts and sub-districts, each having connection with 
the central office by telephone, telet^raph or messenger service. All the accom- 
modation of the city has been listed and classified, its character and rate of 



charges detennined, so that no imposition or extortion can prevail, and the 
promptest information and assistance will be at all times available to the visi- 
tor. No charge for this service is made t ither against citizen or visitor. 

Exposition season invariably brings to any city a greater or less number of 
the hooJlum class, street walking late at night is therefore not advisable. 

The publishers of this work, after many years experience in New Orleans, 
have selected only such views as will be most interesting to the visitor. Many 
visitors spend one, two or three days in constant travel getting to New Orleans; 
they should therefore remain long enough to see all that is worth seeing, for 
such trips are in most cases one of the few opportunities of life. 

Do net find fnilt with the peculiarities of the customs and the people, you 
come here to strc and learn about Southern peop'e and places ; stay awhile and 
you will soon become accustomed to the ways of the city. Note the numer- 
ous porches and balconies extending around on two or three sides and in front 
of most of the better class of residences, indicative of the climatt. 

A good plan in visiting the Exposition is to go bv one line of street cars 
and return by another. Be sure to go to the grounds' at least once by one of 
the excursion boats which start every half hour from the foot of Canal street, this 
will aflbrd eight miles of very interesting scenery along the levee, also take a 
boat ride down the river to the National Soldiers' Cemetery and Old 
Battle Ground, where Andrew Jackson won his famous victory in 1812. 

Pas'-^ing up Canal street from the river the tirst very large building on the 
light is the U. S. Custom House and Postoi^ce; it occupies a whole square, is 
built of New Hampshire granite, has been over forty years in the court^e of 
construction, and h-s cost the government several millions of dollars. The 
cashier's room in the center is called the marble room and is well worth a visit. 
That large and beautiful red brick building at the left as vou pass farther 
up Canal street, is ti e property of the Pickwick Club. The' Illinois Central 
Railroad Co , have t eir ticket office on the first fioor. 

The new Cotton Exchange is a magnificent stone structure on Carondelet 
street one square from Canal, it is the pride of the Cotton Kings of the South. 
The United Slates Mint at the foot o^ Esplanade street, is open to visitors 
SIX days in each week, do not fail to go there to see how Uncle Sam makes his 
mone_\. Visit the Cemeteries, the West End, and the Old Spanish Fort on 
Lake Pontchartrain, the Old French Cathedral, and Jackson Square, take a 
walk along the levees and see the scores of steamers Irom all parts of the 
world loadmg with cotton, &c., go through the ice factory, watch the workings 
of the steam cotton presses,! isten to the songs of the negroes at their work, 
buy one of Ward Brothers' Souvenir Albums and go home happy. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



014 645 048 9 



